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Sheila Rentfrow, Kinship Program Director, sitting down and talking with a kinship parent

Kinship families step up every day. The Kentucky Kinship Resource Center makes sure they don’t have to do it alone.

By Sheila Rentfrow, Kentucky Kinship Resource Center Program Manager

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 1, 2026) – Across Kentucky, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, extended family members, and close family friends are stepping forward to care for children when their parents cannot. Sometimes they have time to prepare. Often, they do not.

One 10-minute phone call can change everything. A grandparent may suddenly be parenting again after 30 years. An aunt may be trying to remember how to enroll a child in school. A family member may be deciding whether to take custody while also worrying about finances, benefits, resources, and how this change will affect the family – the family they care for and the larger family they (and the child) are a part of.

Most kinship caregivers do not begin this journey because they planned to become parents again. They step in because a child they love needs them and because they want that child to remain connected to family.

That is why the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC) at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) exists. The KKRC provides Kentucky’s relative and fictive kin caregivers with information, education, connection, and support—at no cost to families.

One Family, Different Needs

No two kinship families are alike, and no two family circumstances are alike. Needs can change quickly. Some caregivers need help finding a resource. Others need help understanding systems or next steps. Some want to connect with someone who has lived a similar experience, while others prefer to learn privately and at their own pace.

The KKRC offers a continuum of services designed to meet families where they are.

KY-KIN Connect serves as the front door. Kinship Navigators talk with caregivers about their family’s needs and connect them with helpful resources and services. Rather than simply providing a list of phone numbers, Navigators help families understand their options and identify next steps. Although this program works with families working with child protection services (or DCBS), this program will continue to expand in the future offering support to all of Kentucky’s families.

Through KY-KINS Peer Support, caregivers receive one-on-one support from trained Peer Support Specialists who also bring lived experience as kinship caregivers. They understand the joy of caring for family, but also the stress, uncertainty, changing relationships, and difficult decisions that can come with it. Sometimes hearing “I understand” from someone who is walking the same kinship journey can make all the difference.

For caregivers who want to connect with others, KIN-VIP Groups offer welcoming virtual spaces to share experiences, ask questions, learn about resources, or simply listen. Different group options and meeting times make it easier for caregivers to find support that fits their lives.

For those who prefer self-paced learning, the Kinship Catalogue offers educational information, training, and resources caregivers can access when it is convenient for them.

Support Without Another Expense

Taking in a child often brings new responsibilities and new expenses. That is why the KKRC services are free to Kentucky kinship caregivers.

There is no charge to work with a Kinship Navigator, participate in KY-KINS Peer Support and KIN-VIP Groups, or access the Kinship Catalogue.

Our goal is simple: remove barriers and make it easier for families to find the information, resources, education, and support they need.

Caregivers also do not have to wait until life feels overwhelming to reach out. Whether things are going well and you have questions, you are struggling to navigate a system, you want to connect with other caregivers, or you simply need reliable information, the KKRC is here. Reach out for help.

Kinship caregivers do extraordinary things every day, even though most would probably say they are simply doing what their family needs.

At the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center, our job is to make sure that when Kentucky families step up for children, someone is ready to step up for them.

The resources are here. The support is here. And it is free.

Whether family is created by birth or by bond, no caregiver should have to navigate this journey alone. We are here for you.

For more information or to get participate in KKRC programs, please visit the KKRC website.

Miss Kentucky 2025 Ariana Rodriguez

From foster care to Miss Kentucky, UK Social Work student uses platform to give back

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2026) — The article below appears in the Summer 2026 edition of Kentucky Alumni magazine. Read the full article and more at www.ukalumni.net/s/kentucky-alumni-online-magazine.

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Ariana Rodriguez knows she’s one of the lucky ones.  

Rodriguez is Miss Kentucky 2025 and, as such, she’s been the spokesperson for the state agriculture commission’s Kentucky Proud initiative since last summer.  

As Miss Kentucky, she has worn the bejeweled crown and the satin sash bearing her title, visited schools, appeared at events, met with government officials and smiled often. In addition to her title, she received $20,000 in scholarship money from the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Foundation. 

This fall, at 21, she’ll be returning to the University of Kentucky to enter her junior year as a social work major. But that’s not why she’s one of the lucky ones. 

Although she grew up in an unstable environment in the state foster care system, she always believed she would have a better life.  

She’s not ashamed to tell her story: she lived in more than 20 kinship or foster homes between the ages of 5 and 16 and ultimately became homeless in high school, living in her car. Even then, she remained determined to go to college and, one day, work within the system that had raised her. 

Rodriguez is from Bardstown, Kentucky. Her mother suffered from addiction, and other family members couldn’t afford to help raise her and her siblings, and eventually she was separated from them. She graduated from Thomas Nelson High School, often balancing schoolwork with the uncertainty of where her next meal would come from. 

It’s not the kind of story most people associate with a pageant winner — but Rodriguez saw opportunity where others might not. Knowing that pageants offered scholarship money, she entered the Miss My Old Kentucky Home pageant in 2023. She didn’t win. 

Still, she considers herself lucky. After the pageant, director Kimberly Lile told her that if she wanted to pursue Miss Kentucky, she would help her. Lile created a Facebook fundraising page, and the effort raised enough money for Rodriguez to compete for two years, ultimately winning the title in 2025. Last September, she represented Kentucky in the Miss America pageant.  

“When I was filling out the Miss America application, it asked me for information on my parents. I don’t have that. I bring something different to the pageant world,” Rodriguez said. “Most people think of pageant winners as having privilege. They don’t see what they’re really going through.” 

Rodriguez made history as the first former foster care youth to serve as Miss Kentucky and to compete in the Miss America competition, where she finished in the top 11. In total, she has earned more than $30,000 in scholarships.  

Lucky, again.  

In her first two years at UK, before winning Miss Kentucky, she began sharing her purpose. She told friends she had been cutting up old clothes and making bags for foster children so they would have something other than a trash bag for their belongings. A trash bag was all she was given when she moved from one foster home to another.  

“I was studying with friends in the library, at Willy T., and we decided to start a student organization to sew bags and fill them with items foster kids need,” she said. They called the club The Lucky Ones. 

With the help of UK College of Social Work Dean Jay Miller — Rodriguez said his input was “pivotal” — the club has become a full-fledged, student-run nonprofit organization. The Lucky Ones provides suitcases for foster children filled with items such as hygiene products, blankets and stuffed animals, while also offering support, resources and a sense of community. 

Rodriguez wants foster children to know they are not alone and that their circumstances don’t define their future — a message she shared throughout her time as Miss Kentucky. 

“When I tell my story in schools, kids want to share their stories,” she said. “At every school I visit, someone comes to me and tells me what’s happening with them. I hope after they talk with me, the weight is lifted, knowing they can overcome what’s happening to them.” 

And, as luck would have it, Rodriguez says the College of Social Work faculty and staff support the passion and success of all their students. Coincidentally, Dean Miller was in foster care as a child, too. 

“There’s so much you can do with a degree in social work,” Rodriguez said. “You can help people in different ways. As a foster alumna, I know social work isn’t 9 to 5. UK does a great job of setting up social work majors for success. There’s a lot of networking and talk about self-care, mentally and physically, so by taking care of ourselves we can take care of others.” 

Her plans include working with youth in the foster system. She also wants to earn a master’s degree in public policy and work with policymakers. 

“I’ve always been a bit of a rebel,” she said. “And I’ve always been focused on learning and growing.” 

So who’s the lucky one?  

Support The Lucky Ones 

Help provide foster children with dignity, resources and a sense of belonging by giving online at the-lucky-ones.org or listening to The Lucky Ones podcast on Spotify. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.ll on one campus.

Dr. Glenn Sterner facilitating a panel

Q&A with Glenn Sterner: Understanding the rise of online sports betting

This story was originally published in UKNow.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 23, 2026) — Online sports betting has transformed from a niche activity into a multibillion-dollar industry — now woven into the fabric of American sports culture.

From professional football and basketball to international events like the FIFA World Cup, betting odds, promotions and real-time wagering opportunities are only a tap away.

As gambling access has expanded, so have questions about its impact.

Glenn Sterner III, a faculty member in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, studies the effects of online gambling and sports betting. In the Q&A below, he explains the forces driving the industry’s growth and what consumers should know about responsible betting.

UKNow: Sports betting seems more visible than ever. What has driven the rapid growth of online sports betting in recent years?

Sterner III:  We have certainly seen the legalization of gambling — including sports betting — shift in the U.S. in recent years.

This is a direct result of the 2018 Supreme Court case and decision, Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which deemed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 unconstitutional. PASPA previously outlawed sports betting outside of the state of Nevada. This allowed states to control the legality of sports betting, including online sports betting. 

Companies now have the ability to target consumers in states where sports betting and online gambling is legal, as well as lobby for the legalization of sports betting and online gambling within other states. 

The American Gaming Association reports that as of February 2025, eight states have legalized online gambling/casinos and 39 states/DC have legalized sports betting (of which 33 allow sports betting online).

UKNow: Events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl and March Madness often come with a flood of betting advertisements. How do major sporting events influence betting behavior?

Sterner III: With the growth of legalization of sports betting — and the accessibility of online sports betting — companies are seeking more ways to capitalize on major sports events to increase revenues. 

Remember, these are companies hoping to make a profit, and the more they can utilize collective enthusiasm to drive activity, whether in person or online, the more money they can make. 

While wagering has long been associated with major sporting events, the scope of sports betting has expanded dramatically. Today, consumers can bet not only on the outcome of a game but also on specific moments as they unfold through microbetting — such as predicting the next pitch or play in real time. As sports betting becomes more widely legalized and offers increasingly interactive ways to participate, betting companies are leveraging aggressive advertising campaigns, particularly around high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup, to attract and retain customers.

Digital access and consumer behavior

UKNow: What makes online sports betting different from traditional gambling, and how does 24/7 access affect betting habits?

Sterner III: The biggest difference online sports betting has from traditional gambling is that it is easier to hide. You might have no idea that your friend or loved one is placing numerous bets right beside you, because they can do so on their phone with little awareness. 

Additionally, online gambling allows people to gamble in isolation, making it even more difficult for problematic behaviors to be recognized. As a result, the widespread availability of online sports betting and other forms of internet-based gambling — accessible from virtually anywhere with an internet connection — presents significant challenges for identifying both emerging and existing gambling disordered behaviors.

UKNow: How have sports betting partnerships, advertising campaigns and social media changed the public’s perception of gambling? And how has it influenced consumer behavior?

Sterner III: Advertising spending on sports betting and online gambling continues to grow at a rapid pace year after year. While TV, radio and other traditional media remain important channels, marketing has increasingly shifted to paid sponsorships with social media influencers and livestream creators on platforms such as Twitch, Kik and others. These strategies appear to be effective, as sports betting and online gambling revenue in the U.S. continues to increase annually.

Our greatest concern is the exposure of young people to messaging that normalizes gambling through both traditional advertisements and more subtle forms of promotion, such as social media posts with limited disclosure. Research continues to show that online sports betting is especially popular among young men. As a result, policymakers should carefully consider how this constant exposure shapes young people’s attitudes toward gambling and gambling-like behaviors.

Public health and risks

UKNow: What does current research tell us about the connection between online gambling and broader public health concerns?

Sterner III: The greatest concern we see is that as access increases to online gambling, we see an increase in disordered gambling behaviors and diagnoses. We also see more individuals reaching out for assistance using problem gambling services, such as 1-800-GAMBLER.

There is a need for greater investment in prevention programs, public awareness campaigns and access to treatment for people experiencing disordered gambling. The earlier individuals receive support, the greater the opportunity to reduce harm and prevent the long-term consequences of disoredered gambling.

UKNow: What are some of the warning signs that casual betting may be becoming problematic?

Sterner III: Several validated screening tools are used to assess disordered gambling behaviors. These tools identify behaviors that may signal someone should take a closer look at their gambling habits or seek an evaluation for a potential gambling disorder. Warning signs include gambling more frequently or with larger amounts of money, trying to win back losses by continuing to gamble, being unable to cut back or stop gambling, becoming preoccupied with gambling or feeling compelled to gamble.

The consequences of gambling also can be important indicators. Financial strain, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, health problems, work or school issues, and illegal activity related to gambling may all be signs that someone is experiencing disordered gambling behaviors.

However, having one or two of these warning signs does not necessarily mean someone has a gambling disorder. Screening tools use established thresholds to determine when behaviors may indicate a need for further evaluation.

If you notice these signs in yourself, a loved one or a friend, consider talking with a trusted person or a qualified professional to determine whether additional support may be helpful. It’s also important to remember that most people gamble recreationally without experiencing problems. Only a small percentage develop disordered gambling.

UKNow: Are certain groups, such as young adults, more vulnerable to gambling-related harms? If so, why?

Sterner III: We see young men, in particular, are more engaged in online gambling and sports betting — raising concerns that this population may be more at risk for problematic and disordered gambling. However, it is those who engage in mixed-modal gambling — both online and offline (in person at a casino, for example) — that have the highest risk of problematic behaviors.

Research and solutions

UKNow: What are the biggest takeaways from your recent Interactive Gaming Assessment: Online Gambling Report?

Sterner III: I’m the lead researcher on an annual project that assesses the prevalence of online gambling in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The report is required by state law following the legalization of online gambling, referred to as interactive gaming in Pennsylvania. Now in its sixth year, the assessment provides valuable data on gambling trends, and we hope similar assessments can be adopted in other states.

The 2025 report found that online gambling continues to grow in Pennsylvania. Between 17% and 30% of Pennsylvania adults reported participating in some form of online gambling during the past year, compared with up to 20% in the previous year’s report. Overall, an estimated 60% to 73% of adults reported gambling in some form during the past year.

For the first time, the report also measured the prevalence of problem gambling. Results suggest that between 2.5% and 6.4% of Pennsylvania adults may meet the criteria for problem gambling. The highest rates of problematic and disordered gambling were found among people who gambled both online and in person, known as mixed-mode gamblers. The lowest rates were among those who gambled exclusively in person.

The report also identified demographic differences across disordered gambling behaviors. Adults who gambled exclusively online tended to be younger and predominantly men, while those who gambled only in person tended to be older and predominantly women.

Although these findings are specific to Pennsylvania, they may provide insight for other states considering gambling expansion. They underscore the importance of monitoring the effects of gambling on individuals and public health, while identifying opportunities to strengthen prevention efforts and expand access to treatment for gambling-related harms.

UKNow: Did any findings from the report surprise you?

Sterner III:  One of the findings that surprised me most was the prevalence of illegal gambling. We estimate that between 5.9% and 14.4% of Pennsylvania adults engaged in some form of illegal gambling.

For this report, illegal gambling includes underage gambling, gambling on illegal activities such as animal fighting, and using unregulated or illegal gambling websites and apps. Until recently, there was little way for consumers to know whether an online gambling site was licensed and regulated in Pennsylvania. The state now requires legal online gambling operators to display a designated verification icon, a policy change that resulted directly from the assessment I coordinate.

That change is important because we found that approximately 11.4% of Pennsylvania adults who gambled illegally did so unintentionally. Many believed the websites or apps they were using were legitimate when they were not. As a result, consumers may be exposed to fraudulent operators that can withhold winnings, misuse funds or engage in other illegal practices.

These findings highlight the importance of helping consumers identify legal, regulated gambling platforms and increasing public awareness of the risks associated with unlicensed gambling sites in any state, including Kentucky.

UKNow: What can individuals do to gamble responsibly, and what resources are available for those who need help?

Sterner III: Gambling can be a very enjoyable recreational activity, and as I mentioned previously, most people gamble without having any issues. Where it can be a concern is if they start to engage in behaviors that can place their individual and familial economic and well-being at risk.

I recommend making sure that people educate themselves on the realities of winning — that earning money from gambling is not the likely outcome. I also recommend taking a breath and a moment before they continue to place bets, particularly if you are doing so online or in an app.

Finally, it is always good to review what problematic behaviors can be, and to watch out for them within your own habits and that of your friends. If you or any loved one need help, you can contact 1-800-GAMBLER, and they can text, call or even chat online to obtain resources.

Looking ahead

UKNow: What trends are you seeing in online gambling participation, and where do you expect the industry to go next?

Sterner III:  I believe we need to give greater attention to how young people are exposed to gambling and gambling-like behaviors. That includes examining game features that reward betting, such as skins and loot boxes in video games. We also should consider how games that simulate gambling — including poker and slot machines played without real money — may normalize gambling and encourage future participation.

It’s equally important to evaluate how gambling advertisements are targeted and to limit the ability of companies to reach youth audiences.

My concern is that as more young people are exposed to online gambling and sports betting, and as access continues to expand, they may face risks similar to those associated with alcohol, tobacco and other addictive behaviors. We should recognize the potential harms gambling can pose to youth and take steps to reduce those risks.

We have made significant progress in restricting youth access to tobacco and alcohol and limiting how those products are marketed. We should apply the same public health approach to gambling by strengthening safeguards that reduce youth exposure and access.

UKNow: As betting activity increases, what is the most important message you want sports fans to understand about sports gambling?

Sterner III: I want sports fans to remember that it’s OK to put the phone down and simply enjoy the game. If you’re more focused on your bets than the action on the field or court, it may be worth asking whether sports betting is enhancing your experience or taking away from it.

We all want our favorite teams and players to succeed, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement by placing a bet in the moment. But that excitement can make it easy to forget that you’re spending real money, with real consequences for yourself and your family.

Before placing a bet, take a moment to pause and think about the decision you’re making. A few seconds of reflection can help prevent regrets later. And if you think gambling may be becoming a problem, help is available. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER to connect with resources and support.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

Headshot of Shelita Jackson

Q&A with Shelita Jackson, a 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award winner

This story was originally published in UKNow.

LEXINGTON, KY. (July 8, 2026) — Shelita Jackson, D.S.W., director of Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Undergraduate Studies and assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), is one of 10 recipients of UK’s 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards.

These awards identify and recognize UK faculty and graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate special dedication to student achievement. Recipients were selected via nomination and reviewed by a selection committee based in the UK Provost’s Office for Faculty Advancement and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.

For Jackson, teaching begins with relationships.

Drawing on her years of experience across social work practice, leadership and higher education, Jackson’s approach centers on student growth. She calls it “connected teaching” — the idea that relationships are not just where learning happens, but how it happens.

As part of this summer series, UKNow connected with Jackson to learn more about her experience and approach to teaching.

UKNow: How would you describe your area of expertise and why is the work important right now? 

Jackson: Social work has provided me with the opportunity to work in various settings and assume diverse roles, which is what makes the profession so rewarding.

Prior to my transition to higher education, my professional background was in medical social work — where I held several leadership positions. Interestingly, when I began teaching full-time, the courses I taught the most are practice, policy and macro social work courses. Somehow, I have not taught a medical social work course. I find that funny.

Regardless of the setting or role a social worker practices, the core values and practice competencies are transferable. I can bring real-world experience into the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning process. This is important to me, because everyone has unique needs. And students need to comprehend the interconnected factors that influence a person’s well-being — from the individual level to the systemic level.

UKNow: What core principles guide your approach to teaching, and how do those show up in your classroom or learning environments? 

Jackson: Connected teaching, which focuses on relationships and culture in how we teach and learn, is what I do. I truly believe relationships can change us and are both where we learn — and how we learn.

Connected teaching focuses on both the students and educator feeling valued and working together. I strive to make the classroom a safe place by encouraging the sharing of ideas, while respecting everyone’s thoughts and experiences.

Because of how I interact with students, they know I’m genuine and consistent. I aim to be fair and supportive, while also holding them accountable.

UKNow: Can you share a moment — inside or outside the classroom — that affirmed the value of your work as an educator? 

Jackson: Last month, one of our graduating social work seniors got the chance to share his research poster at the UNITE research forum poster showcase. This student hadn’t even thought about writing a proposal or presenting research at the undergraduate level before.

My job is to help students realize what they’re capable of. This student was definitely more than capable, and I love seeing students use their work for professional opportunities. He was featured in a CoSW news story — talking about how much the program has boosted his confidence and how much he appreciates me as his instructor. It’s moments like these that really make my work worthwhile and affirm my relational approach. It matters.

UKNow: What do you hope your students take with them after they leave your course(s)? 

Jackson: I’m hoping students will remember me as someone who can lead with kindness and support. I hope they leave our interactions feeling truly seen, heard and valued. And even when life gets challenging, I hope they realize being a good person is what truly counts — and they have the power to choose how they act in their relationships.

UKNow: What does receiving the Outstanding Teaching Award mean to you? 

Jackson: I’m still taking in this amazing recognition. Being chosen by my peers is such a privilege and an honor. There are so many incredible educators at our university, and to be considered among them fills me with joy and motivates me to keep being a meaningful educator by serving our wonderful students at the University of Kentucky.

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This year’s Outstanding Teaching Awards were given to six faculty and four graduate teaching assistants. Each winner received an award certificate, a commemorative engraved gift and a cash award in recognition of their teaching excellence at a campus ceremony on April 30. Read more here.

Ben Ison after receiving the Sullivan Award

Social Work’s Ben Ison receives 2026 Sullivan Award

This story was originally published in UKNow. Photo by Logan Justice.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2026) — Two University of Kentucky students, including UK College of Social Work’s (CoSW) Ben Ison, and a faculty emeritus have received UK’s highest honor for humanitarian efforts — the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. 

Established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 and named for its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan, the award recognizes those “who exhibit Sullivan’s ideals of heart, mind and conduct as evince a spirit of love for and helpfulness to other men and women.” After the society closed, the award has lived on through the Sullivan Foundation and is given at several universities in the South. 

At UK, the Sullivan Award is bestowed each year on two graduating seniors and one citizen who has a connection to the university. This year’s Sullivan award student winners are Morgan David and Ben Ison. Sam Powdrill is the citizen award recipient. 

Ison, of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, earned dual bachelor’s degrees in social work and criminal justice in May, along with a minor in criminology. 

Throughout his time at UK, Ison has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement and a deep commitment to service. A 4.0 student and consistent Dean’s List honoree, he has paired his classroom success with meaningful research, leadership and hands-on experiences that reflect his passion for justice and advocacy. 

Ison has been actively involved in undergraduate research through the College of Social Work, where he serves as a research assistant focusing on juvenile justice. In this role, he has conducted literature reviews, supported data collection and analysis, and contributed to research examining systems that impact youth and communities. His academic interests extend into practice — as demonstrated by his service on the University Appeals Board, where he helped review academic and disciplinary cases and contributed to fair, policy-aligned decisions. 

Committed to applying his knowledge in real-world settings, Ison completed a social work internship with the Exit Crisis Unit at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. There, he provided crisis intervention services, helped connect individuals to critical resources and coordinated community outreach efforts — including a clothing drive paired with Narcan training to support harm reduction. 

On campus, Ison is a dedicated leader and advocate for student well-being. As a student ambassador for the College of Social Work, he supports prospective and current students through outreach events, information sessions and community-building initiatives. He has also held leadership roles within Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, serving as internal vice president and previously as mental health chairman, where he worked to promote awareness and access to mental health resources, including implementing suicide prevention programming. 

Ison’s commitment to service extends beyond leadership roles. He regularly volunteers in the community, including participating in weekly meal programs, and has earned certifications in areas such as QPR suicide prevention and responsible conduct of research. 

“Through his academic excellence, leadership and compassion for others, Ison exemplifies the spirit of a servant leader — using his education and experiences to create meaningful change in the lives of those around him,” Shelita Jackson, D.S.W., director of undergraduate studies in the College of Social Work, said. He has integrity, conviction, is reliable and has a heart for justice.” 

Reflecting on his philosophy of service, Ison said, “Across all of my experiences at UK, I’ve learned that service is ultimately about responsibility — using what you’ve been given to support others in ways that are thoughtful, consistent and grounded in respect. It is less about recognition and more about being present, being willing to learn and being committed to contributing to something larger than yourself.” 

Ison plans to continue his work at the intersection of social work and criminal justice, with a focus on advancing equitable systems and supporting vulnerable populations. 

‘Behind the Blue’: Social Work’s Abbie Latimer on how to support those who are suffering

This article was originally published by UKNow by Kody Kiser.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 1, 2026) — When someone we care about is going through something painful, many of us struggle with the same question: what do I say?

On this episode of “Behind the Blue,” Abbie Latimer, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, discusses hospice and palliative care, serious illness communication and how people can better support one another during difficult moments. Latimer also holds an affiliate appointment in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative and Supportive Care.

Before joining the faculty, Latimer worked as a palliative care social worker with UK HealthCare, helping build the inpatient palliative care team and supporting patients, families and care teams through some of life’s most difficult conversations. Her current work focuses on research and teaching around serious illness, moral distress, communication and psychosocial care.

Latimer recently spoke at TEDxUKY, where she shared the story of a patient she called “Fred” and explored questions many people face when someone they care about is suffering:

  • What do I say?
  • Why do I sometimes pull away?
  • How do I find my way back to simply being present?

In the conversation, Latimer explains the difference between hospice and palliative care and discusses the broad role social workers play in helping patients and their care systems, including family members, friends, clinicians and community support networks. She also describes why difficult emotions can cause people to reach for familiar phrases such as “hang in there,” “stay positive” or “thoughts and prayers,” even when those phrases may unintentionally create distance.

Latimer encourages listeners to focus less on finding the perfect words and more on asking open, compassionate questions. Simple prompts such as “Is it okay if we talk about this?” or “What are you most worried about?” can open the door to deeper connection without placing pressure on either person to fix what cannot be fixed.

The episode also explores how silence, presence and listening without an agenda can be meaningful forms of support. Latimer says sometimes the most helpful response is not a solution, but a willingness to sit with someone in the reality of what they are facing.

“Behind the Blue” is available via a variety of podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to receive new episodes each week, featuring UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists, writers and the most important news impacting the university.

“Behind the Blue” is a production of the University of Kentucky. Transcripts for most episodes are now embedded in the audio file and can be accessed in many podcast apps during playback. Transcripts for older episodes remain available on the show’s blog page. 

Discover how the University of Kentucky is advancing the Commonwealth.

This interview has been edited for time and clarity.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

Two people playing basketball in the UK Johnson Center

Inside the clutch March Madness moment: Expert Q&A on high-pressure play

This article was originally published by Lindsey Piercy and Hillary Smith of UKNow.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 16, 2026) — When the clock ticks down and a game hangs in the balance, some athletes thrive while others falter.

March Madness is full of buzzer-beaters and heart-stopping moments, but what separates a player who rises to the occasion from one who freezes under pressure?

Matt Moore, Ph.D., associate dean of academic and student affairs in the UK College of Social Work, brings nearly two decades of competitive tennis coaching experience to the question. He is co-founder and president of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, editor of the Sport Social Work Journal and co-director of the International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health.

Moore has coached at Butler University, Anderson University and Miami University, racking up more than 250 career dual match wins and helping Miami claim the 2025 Mid-American Conference championship.

But high-stakes moments aren’t just psychological — they are also neurological. Understanding how the brain processes stress, focus and split-second decision-making adds another layer to why some athletes stay composed while others struggle when the stakes are highest.

That’s where Taylor Achtyl, Psy.D., a postdoctoral fellow in clinical neuropsychology in the UK College of Medicine, offers insight into what’s happening inside the brain during those critical moments. She works within the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute, where she conducts neurocognitive evaluations to assist in the diagnosis of neurological disorders.

Achtyl earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from D’Youville University, where her dissertation research examined executive function and emotion regulation in university athletes with a history of sports concussion; this work was presented at the International Brain Injury Association’s 15th World Congress on Brain Injury. She also has experience conducting neurocognitive evaluations to inform return-to-play decisions and providing psychotherapy to student-athletes.

UKNow: Why do some athletes seem to thrive under pressure while others struggle?

Moore: Some athletes interpret physical signs of stress as excitement and readiness, while others read the same signals as doubt, overthinking and tightness. Though the shift in mindset may sound simple, it’s more complex than it seems. Often, the difference between rising to the moment and shrinking from it comes down to seeing pressure as a challenge rather than a threat.

UKNow: What actually happens in the brain and body during a high-pressure moment like a last-second shot?

Achtyl: In a high-pressure moment like a last-second shot, the brain quickly prioritizes information that is most relevant to the situation. Attention narrows toward key cues such as the position of defenders, the basket and the remaining time on the clock. Brain regions involved in decision-making and motor planning work together to translate that information into a rapid action. At the same time, the body becomes more physiologically activated, increasing alertness and readiness to move.

Moore: The first thing that happens is that your brain realizes, “these moments matter.” This activates a response in your body. Your adrenaline kicks in. Your heart beats faster. Your breathing speeds up. Your muscles tighten. Your focus gets sharper. You might also feel nervous. 

UKNow: Is being “clutch” a real psychological trait, or is it something we assign after the fact?

Moore: When you’re in high-pressure moments, there’s a difference between your body feeling clutch and feeling frozen. A clutch athlete might think, “I’m ready for this,” channeling that energy in a positive way. An athlete who feels frozen might think, “Not me — I’m nervous,” which can lead to overthinking and tightening up.

Most of the time, we label someone clutch after we see the outcome. In reality, being clutch is about preparation, repetition and confidence built over time. In my opinion, it has far less to do with who you are and far more to do with how you train your body and mind to handle pressure.

Science + storytelling

UKNow: What role do stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline play in performance?

Achtyl: Adrenaline and cortisol are part of the body’s natural response to pressure. When stakes are high, such as during the final minutes of a close game, these hormones increase heart rate, blood flow and alertness, preparing the body to respond quickly. Stress hormones can enhance performance by helping athletes sharpen focus and reaction time, which is why athletes often describe feeling “locked in” during important moments. However, when stress hormone levels become too high, they can start to interfere with performance. It may become more difficult to concentrate, remember plays or control fine motor movements.

UKNow: How does anxiety affect motor skills and decision-making in athletes?

Achtyl: Anxiety can interfere with athletic performance by affecting the brain systems that coordinate thinking and movement. Skilled motor actions rely on communication between the prefrontal cortex, which supports attention and decision-making, and the striatum, which helps automate well-practiced movements. In high-pressure situations, stress and increased self-monitoring can disrupt this coordination — causing athletes to overthink movements that would normally feel automatic, such as passing or shooting a ball. When that happens, decisions may become slower and movements less fluid, which is often what people are describing when they talk about athletes “choking” under pressure. Athletes who perform well in these moments are often better able to maintain focus and allow practiced skills to run more automatically.

UKNow: Can pressure ever improve performance? If so, how and why?

Achtyl: Yes, pressure can improve performance. A moderate level of pressure can increase focus, motivation and engagement with the task at hand. In these moments, athletes may become more attentive to relevant cues, react more quickly and perform with greater intensity. Psychological research often describes this relationship using the idea that performance tends to improve as arousal increases, but only up to a certain point. When pressure stays within this optimal range, it can help athletes feel energized and fully focused on the moment.

Moore: Building on everything shared so far, the body’s stress response isn’t automatically a bad thing. Adrenaline can sharpen focus, increase energy and prepare muscles to respond quickly. When athletes interpret those sensations as readiness rather than danger, pressure can actually enhance concentration, reaction time and confidence.

The difference comes down to perception and preparation. When pressure is viewed as a challenge and athletes trust their training, it can elevate performance. When pressure is viewed as a threat, that same stress can lead to tension, doubt and overthinking.

Training + preparation

UKNow: Are clutch performers born that way, or can mental toughness be trained?

Moore: Mental toughness is not something you are simply born with. It is a skill that can be developed through intentional practice. It grows when you set clear, achievable goals and challenge yourself to perform under pressure. It grows by learning to manage stress and maintain focus. It grows with integration of evidence-based approaches into your practice regime. Practices such as positive self-talk, visualizing successful outcomes and reflecting on your experiences all strengthen your ability to stay calm and confident when faced with obstacles. Most importantly to me, you have to be able to simulate high pressure moments consistently in your training.

UKNow: What psychological techniques do elite athletes use to stay focused in big moments?

Moore: There are numerous techniques that elite athletes use. What works for one athlete might not work for another. That being said, there are three overarching techniques that I use with my athletes. First, we try to be really intentional with our goal setting. This might also be the social worker in me, but I want my athletes to all have SMART goals — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) that help them stay focused on the controllables. Second, we use mental imagery on a regular basis to rehearse high-pressure scenarios. Third, we try to ensure that each of our players have techniques that help with emotional regulation. Here we are talking about preperformance routines, consistent routines between points and how to utilize changeovers to your advantage. I find these three approaches work together. Clear goals provide direction, rehearsal prepares execution and emotional regulation keeps performance steady.

UKNow: How important are routines, like free-throw rituals or breathing patterns, in managing pressure?

Moore: I find routines to be extremely important. By engaging in familiar actions like free-throw rituals or breathing patterns, an athlete can shift their mind from the stress of the situation to controlled, automatic behavior. It helps to remind an athlete that they have shot thousands of free throws in their lives. Why does this free throw need to be any different than the rest?

Fans + broader relevance

UKNow: Why do fans feel nervous or stressed watching these moments — even though they’re not playing?

Moore: I am a fan of many teams. I am no different than others. There are days where it feels like I live and die by outcomes. Fans live vicariously through the team and athletes they support. The pressure created on the court extends to those watching. The brain and body responses of a fan, to a lesser degree, can mirror those of the players. Their investment in the outcome creates a sense of personal pressure, even without direct physical involvement.

Achtyl: Even when we’re just watching, our brains respond to the tension of the moment. In close games, the brain’s stress response can activate in ways that look similar to what the athletes are experiencing. Part of this response is related to mirror neurons — a system in the brain that helps us simulate and understand the actions and emotions of others. When we watch an athlete take a high-pressure shot, the brain partially mirrors the action and emotional intensity of that moment. That shared neural response is part of what makes big moments in sports feel so exciting and nerve-wracking for fans.

UKNow: What can everyday people learn from athletes about handling pressure at work or in life?

Moore: Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Focus on controllable actions, not outcomes. Athletes are great at breaking tasks into small, actionable steps to reduce anxiety and to stay present.
  2. Develop consistent routines. Athletes perform best with consistent rituals. These rituals help regulate behavior and provider a sharper focus.
  3. Reflect and learn from experiences. Athletes are required to consistently reflect on what worked and what did not. It helps athletes to create concurrent plans that present option versus the need to feel desperate in a situation.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

Family standing in front of a lighted CoSW Grad sign

📷Highlights: 2025 December Graduation Celebration

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) celebrated it’s newest batch of graduates on December 19. After crossing the stage at Rupp Arena and handed their diplomas, graduates and families arrived at the Hilton Hotel to celebrate their achievements with CoSW staff and faculty. Below are pictures of the festivities.

Photo credit Sanford Weakley/UK College of Social Work

Photos credit Cassie Payne/UK College of Social Work

How UK Grad Raven Whitaker-Smith found family, purpose — and herself

This article was originally published by Lindsey Piercy and Steve Shaffer of UKNow. You can view the original article here.

Video produced by UK Public Relations and Strategic Communication and UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. If using a mobile device, click on the “thought bubble” in the same area.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2025) — How do you define family?

For some, it’s the people they grew up with — parents, siblings and relatives bound by blood. For others, it’s a chosen group — friends, mentors or caregivers.

For Raven Whitaker-Smith, the meaning of family often felt undefined.

By the time she was 12-years-old, she had already lived through more than most do in a lifetime. While being bounced around the foster care system, Whitaker-Smith had no sense of permanence, no deep roots — just a longing to feel chosen.

“My biological parents were just kids when they had me and my siblings,” she said. “They were addicted to drugs, and my home life was a very dark place.”

When Whitaker-Smith was 11, the Department for Community Based Services stepped in and removed her and her siblings from their tumultuous home.

Whitaker-Smith found herself living at Holly Hill, an all-girls group home, while attending Campbell County Middle School. The weight of her personal struggles often spilled over into the classroom — one day landing her outside the principal’s office.

Whitaker-Smith was just a sixth grader, but she was on the verge of suspension.

****

Jason Smith felt being a school principal was not just a career — but a calling.

He had been one for 14 years when he found Whitaker-Smith sitting outside his office.

“She was just this sweet looking, little innocent child sitting there — kind of defeated,” he said. “I asked her, ‘What’s going on?’ and she said that she had thrown a cup of yogurt at lunch, had been suspended and was waiting to be picked up.”

Smith then asked her if she would ever throw food at a restaurant with her family. She told him she had never eaten in one and didn’t have a family.

“At that point, I had felt like she just needed a hand — needed help,” he said.

Though brief, that conversation had a profound impact on Smith. But he hesitated to bring it up to his wife, Marybeth, that evening.

For years, the couple had faced the heartbreak of infertility.

They had once opened their home as foster parents hoping to adopt. But that dream had quietly faded nearly six years earlier after caring for a trio of siblings — only to have them reunified with their biological parents.

Following that fateful interaction, the Smiths began exploring the idea of fostering Whitaker-Smith. They first reached out to her case worker, then went through the process of getting recertified as foster parents.

Once approved, the Smiths opened their home to Whitaker-Smith, who moved in with them in June 2015.

“He (Smith) felt compelled to become a foster parent,” Whitaker-Smith recalls. “The summer following sixth grade, I began having visitation with them before moving in. From there, we became a family.”

On Nov. 3, 2017, the Smiths formally adopted Whitaker-Smith, by then a high school freshman. Their inspiring story was later featured on Good Morning America.

“They gave hope to a hopeless kid,” she said.

****

Whitaker-Smith hadn’t just found a home — she found a future.

Her new family had deep ties to the University of Kentucky. Before moving in, she remembers seeing photos of them dressed from head to toe in Wildcat gear.

“They would show me these pictures — the whole family,” she said. “And as I got older, and I learned about college, I just knew UK was for me.”

But choosing UK wasn’t just about family pride — it was about finding a purpose. Whitaker-Smith had always felt drawn to working with children. Still, she struggled with the idea of helping others when she herself felt “unhealed.”

That started to shift during her first social work class with Professor Shelita Jackson, D.S.W.

“As soon as I was in her class, I knew social work was for me,” Whitaker-Smith said. “I just felt so passionate. I knew I was supposed to be there.”

Through her College of Social Work (CoSW) coursework — classes in psychology, domestic violence and family systems — Whitaker-Smith began to confront and understand her past.

“I would think about my past and my biological parents when they were younger,” she continued. “They kind of grew up in a similar situation, and they didn’t have a lot of resources.”

Whitaker-Smith’s education led to understanding, and ultimately, her understanding led to compassion. “Why would the cycle change unless you’re educated about it?” she asks. “Social work definitely saved me and changed the way I thought about things — definitely the way I thought about my past.”

Now, Whitaker-Smith works at the DCCH Center for Children and Families — the same nonprofit organization that helped facilitate her foster care with the Smiths.

“The therapeutic atmosphere DCCH provided was what I needed to learn to trust my parents and heal from the trauma I experienced,” she said. “They are still there for me today. I truly feel DCCH is a part of my family and played a significant role in my story.”

****

As Whitaker-Smith prepares to walk across the Commencement stage, she knows exactly where to look — toward the cheering crowd of loved ones, with her family front and center.

Their unwavering support has given her the strength to believe in herself and her future.

“I haven’t actually talked about how proud I am of myself,” Whitaker-Smith admits through tears. “But to be the first person from my biological family to graduate high school and then move on to college, I’m so incredibly proud of myself.”

More than anything, she’s ready to pay it forward — eager to step into the role of the social worker she once needed.

“Not many people get to say their parents chose them. If anyone reading this is thinking about fostering or adopting a child, I urge you to take a chance,” she said. “Foster care saved my life and because of that, it has inspired me to be a social worker. There are so many kids out there that are just like me — who need to be loved, cared for and given hope.”

Did you know, in Kentucky alone, more than 8,000 children are in need of foster or adoptive parents? You can learn more by visiting the DCCH website.

Explore the degree pathways and programs available through the CoSW by visiting the college website.  

Raven Whitaker-Smith works at the DCCH Center for Children and Families — the same nonprofit organization that helped facilitate her foster care with the Smiths. UK Photo

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

For over 85 years, the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky has been a leader in education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.

As the state’s flagship university, our mission is actualized through our deeds. Our faculty are renowned academicians dedicated to fostering the development of high-quality practitioners and researchers. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world.

National Adoption Month: The Power of Connection and Belonging

Every child, no matter the context, needs lasting familial connections. Having been in out-of-home care myself, I can personally attest to this need.

As a youth, I was placed in out of home care as a result of the death of my mother and my father’s inability to beat his addiction to substances. My sisters and I spent several years shuffled from place to place before being taken in by an aunt and uncle.  

I was 16.

For my sisters and me, the stability provided by our “forever home” made all the difference. The sense of safety, allowed us to flourish. No more neglect. No more abuse. Frankly, if not for their willingness to open their home and their hearts, I’m not sure where I would be.   

Indeed, family matters.

Since 1995, November has been marked as a time of deep introspect about adoption. This year, Adoption Awareness Month is focused on creating and strengthening pathways for young people to have lasting bonds and connections.

Now, as has always been in the case, we must take stock of this focus.    

In Kentucky, there are over 8,300 youths in foster care. Of those, approximately one-third are waiting to be adopted. Whilst every effort is made to find adoptive homes for these youth, the unfortunate reality is that for many them, particularly teens, the comfort of a safe, stable forever family will never be actualized.

Research shows that adoption can be profoundly impactful for youth in foster care. Studies illustrate that adopted youth tend to experience higher levels of emotional and physical wellness, financial stability, and fewer instances of trauma, when compared to their non-adopted counterparts. As well, families who adopt often experience a sense of fulfillment, love, and immense gratitude.  

Indeed, family matters.

Unfortunately, research also shows that teens are seldom adopted. Though younger children are often adopted relatively quickly, adoption rates drastically decrease for older youth. Nationally, while almost 25% of young people awaiting adoption are between the ages of 13-17, only about 12% of those adopted in 2022 were teens. Those not adopted usually “age out” of foster care, which puts them at an increased risk for a host of problematic circumstances. Adoption can assuage these circumstances.

Indeed, family matters.

There is a plethora of benefits to adopting older youth. For example, older children can actively participate in adoptive processes, which often means things move more quickly. As well, there is typically more documented information about older youth. This will allow parents to more adeptly assess, address, and understand any needs the child may have. Parents who adopt older kids may also be eligible for educational benefits, tax credits, and support initiatives/programs. Did I mention that older children don’t typically require diapers or babysitters?!

For families like the Hurt-Muellers, adopting two teenagers has been a rewarding experience for their family of four. Plus, Jamie Hurt-Mueller has even learned to be more technologically savvy from her 18-year-old and 15-year-old children!

Indeed, family matters.

In the coming months, as it usually does, attention will shift to an ever-long season of holiday pomp and pageantry. Nestled between office parties, shopping trips, and watching re-runs of A Christmas Story, many of us will find solace in spending time with loved ones. During these times, I implore you think about those, both young and old, waiting for their forever family.

Because after all –  

Family. Matters.

For more information about adoption in Kentucky, please visit https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces.   

Dr. Jay Miller is the Dean and Dorothy A. Miller Research Professor in Social Work Education in the College of Social Work and Director of The Self-Care Lab at the University of Kentucky. You can follow his work via X @DrJayMiller1 or email him at Justin.Miller1@uky.edu.